Libya’s Public Prosecution has ordered the pretrial detention of Haider Al-Sayah, Head of the Cancer Control Authority, and the Chairman of the General Tender Committee, over suspected irregularities in the import of cancer treatment drugs.
In an official statement, the Office of the Attorney General said the Anti-Corruption Prosecution within the Tripoli Appeals Court jurisdiction had launched an investigation into procedures for importing medications used in oncology treatment.
The investigation revealed violations by the Cancer Authority chief in managing several pharmaceutical procurement contracts, while the Tender Committee head was found to have breached contracting regulations and procurement guidelines.
Based on these findings, prosecutors ordered the detention of both officials pending further investigation.
This follows a previous decision by the Public Prosecution to detain Ramadan Abu Janah, the dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister of the outgoing Government of National Unity, over the importation of oncology drugs from Iraq.
Several senior health officials have also been implicated in the case, including the Director of the Pharmacy Department, the Chairman of the General Tender Committee, a member of the Central Tenders Committee, and the representative of a pharmaceutical import company.
The case has raised public concern over accountability in Libya’s healthcare procurement system, particularly with regards to life-saving treatments such as cancer medications.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
